Wisconsin's long national nightmare may be over. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the school is ready to make an offer to Utah State head football coach Gary Andersen to replace the now-departed Bret Bielema.

"A source close to the UW program confirmed Tuesday Andersen was the
pick to replace Bret Bielema, who told (Wisconsin AD Barry) Alvarez on Dec. 4 he was leaving
to take over the Arkansas program.

"That is the direction it is heading," the source said.

The Wisconsin State Journal first reported Andersen, 48, was Alvarez's top pick."

The Andersen-coached Utah State played Wisconsin on Sept. 15, when the Badgers squeaked by the Aggies 16-14. This reportedly left a lasting impression on Alvarez. Utah St. defeated Toledo in last Saturday's Famous Idaho Potato Bowl 41-15.

Andersen's pre HC resume may have played a part in Alvarez's decision to hire him as well. Before becoming HC at Utah St., Andersen was a defensive coordinator at Utah from 2004-2008. He sered his first year with the use under then-HC Urban Meyer. Perhaps Alvarez thinks that will help Wisconsin defeat the Meyer-coach Ohio State next season.